I'm a licensed professional counselor who comes to therapy as a second career and brings lived experiences into every session. If you find yourself (individually or as a couple) in a time of transition - maybe you are at the start or end of a career or relationship - and feel stuck or tired of life happening to you, I can help you focus on the kind of life you want to create for yourself and the people around you. Through exploration, reflection and analysis, I can help you imagine and create the life you want for yourself and your future.
In our first session, I spend the time to learn about my client and their past experiences in order to build a solid foundation of trust and develop rapport. Through a series of intake questions, we are able to clearly identify 2 to 3 goals that the client wants to work toward. This provides the basis of our plan moving forward.
I am an empathetic and active listener, who can draw upon lived experiences to build connections with clients and help them discover a path forward.
I am passionate about helping couples or individuals who going through transition and feeling confused or unclear on the path forward. They may be experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety and are looking for relief and willing to discover why they are feeling the way they do to create the life they want.
The method of therapy practice I use really depends on the client in front of me, and their needs. At times, I will use psycho analytic therapy were we look at past experiences and shine the light on patterns learned early in life and how they are present in their lives today. If a client is dealing with a past or current trauma, I will use a variety of trauma informed interventions. I work with couples and emotionally focused therapy where I create a safe, empathic relationship where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions. I also use narrative therapy with individuals and couples where I help clients name their problems and view them as separate entities, rather than inherent parts of their identity. For example, in the most simple form, changing "I have anxiety" to "I'm experiencing anxiety."
As a therapist working with couples at various stages, I focus on enhancing connection and communication for dating and pre-marriage couples, helping them align their values and build intimacy. For couples in crisis, I guide them in de-escalating conflicts and expressing underlying emotions to foster positive interactions. In the case of conscious uncoupling, I support partners in ending their relationship respectfully while facilitating personal growth and healing. My approach is empathetic and tailored to each couple's unique needs, aiming to promote healthier relationships or mindful transitions.
Trauma informed care shifts the focus from, "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?" I create a safe, compassionate environment that promotes healing and recovery, while avoiding practices that may inadvertently re-traumatize patients.
I use narrative therapy with individuals and couples where I help clients name their problems and view them as separate entities, rather than inherent parts of their identity. For example, in the most simple form, changing "I have anxiety" to "I'm experiencing anxiety." I help clients explore and reshape their life stories, particularly those overwhelmed by challenges and emotional distress. My clients can re-write their story in a way that aligns with their strengths and values. Often times, writing a part of your story is a way to gain clarity and healing. If you choose to, we can also incorporate writing into this therapy.